France to hold terror attack simulation before Euro 2016

Paris: A simulation of terrorist attack in a fan zone will be held in the French city of Nimes on March 16 as part of the preparations for Euro 2016, the media reported on Tuesday.

"Security officials and rescue services from 16 major cities and towns hosting Euro 2016 will be gathered to discuss the post-attack issues and adaptation of procedures," Xinhua quoted French Interior Minister Bernard Cazeneuve as saying on Monday.

"The advanced work and training must continue on a national scale, in particular to prepare for the security issues related to Euro 2016," Cazeneuve said.

European championship, seeing 24 teams to attend the final stage for the first time in history, will take place in 10 French cities from June 10 to July 10.

The issue of security in Fan Zones, reckoned the areas most at risk as thousands of supporters from France and the 23 other competing associations congregate in confined spaces, is widely concerned after the Paris attacks last year that left at least 130 people killed.

One of the targets of the terror attack series on November 13 was the Stade de France, the venue for the kick-off match on June 10 and the July 10 final of Euro 2016.

Ten days after the attacks, the interior minister had convened a meeting on this issue, addressing the issue of the additional costs of increased security measures.